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What James Morrison said about West Brom midfield options before Alex Mowatt development Alex Mowatt is closing in on a move to Championship rivals Derby County on the eve of the league season. Boss James Morrison labelled his Albion midfield options ‘strong and adaptable’ this week prior to the development of Alex Mowatt’s transfer to Derby on the even of the new Championship season. The Baggies had bolstered the department in recent weeks with the additions of Norwegian Felix Horn Myhre and French youngster Rabby Nzingoula. It took head coach Morrison’s options to five natural senior central midfielders and there was external consideration about the pecking order, and keeping all players satisfied. But Derby, long-term admirers of Mowatt, made their interest concrete this week and a second bid for the experienced 31-year-old led to the midfielder’s medical on Thursday and the likelihood of a move being completed on Friday ahead of Albion’s opener at Norwich at Carrow Road. Morrison said in his press conference on Wednesday afternoon: “Yes, it does feel strong. I think they're all adaptable, which is pleasing. “They all have different attributes, which I wanted. There'll be times, again, where someone might be better for this game or (more) suited. “The players have got to be aware of that. I will pick teams to what's suited for the best for the football club.” The experienced Mowatt is set to call time on five years and 170 games as an Albion player. He has been vice-captain and a regular during spells at The Hawthorns and looked set to play a central role under Morrison after featuring regularly during pre-season and from the off in the EFL Cup last weekend. France youth prospect Nzingoula this week checked in for a fee of around £2million from Ligue 1 club Strasbourg. The midfielder has 56 league appearances so far for Strasbourg, Montpellier and Nurnberg. Asked about 20-year-old Nzingoula’s readiness for involvement and keeping players satisfied generally, Morrison replied: “That's my job, isn't it? To keep him happy. “He's had one or two sessions now, so we have a day off tomorrow, back in Friday and we'll see what the squad will be.” Under-20 international Nzingoula became Albion’s seventh new senior recruit of the summer. Morrison said: “With how many we lost last year we needed to. We can't be going into the season undercooked. “We don't want to be playing catch-up as well. New players need time as well to fit into the system. So yes, I'm pleased that he's in and I'm pleased that we've got the bodies in that we have.”